Boulder County, CO — Boulder County Public Health was notified on March 31, 2020, that a resident in their 70s who had tested positive for COVID-19 has died. The individual had been hospitalized for nearly two weeks. The virus was transmitted within our local community. . This is the second Boulder County resident with confirmed COVID-19 to die from complications caused by the virus.

“I am heartbroken to learn that another Boulder County family has been torn apart by this disease,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health director. “In the next couple weeks, it is likely we will see a rapid increase in the number of people in our community who test positive for the virus, including people who will require hospital care for their illness. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we all follow the Colorado Public Health order and stay at home as much as possible. The more we all stay home, the more successful we will be at stopping this virus from spreading and causing illness and death in our community.”

“If you absolutely must go out, be very sure that you stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live in your household, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home. Take as many precautions as you can, like bringing a disinfectant wipe with you to touch things like gas pump handles and grocery carts. It is also very important that you continue keeping your home clean and disinfected in accordance with CDC guidelines,” said Zayach. “Thank you for your commitment to the health and safety of our community. We will get through this – six feet apart, but together!”

Including this recent death, 100 Boulder County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 to date; 42 have now recovered. Those testing positive for the disease range in age from the teens to the 80s, and the average age is 45 years.

COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets spread when a person with the illness coughs or sneezes. People who have prolonged contact within six feet of a person with the disease are most at risk of transmission.

Public Health officials ask residents to strictly follow the Stay-at-Home order, including:

• Staying at your place of residence and only leaving for essential activities.
• Ceasing all business activity unless you can do so safely from home or you work in an essential business.
• Cease all public or private gatherings other than gatherings of a single household or living unit.
• Cease all travel except essential travel.

For general information about COVID-19, residents can call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org. Both call centers have Spanish-speaking staff available.

-BoulderCountyHealth.org-